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Key indicators at this time include fundraising, recruitment, retirements and the generic ballot. Moreover, with the president's approval numbers on the rise and Republican presidential candidates and office-holders lagging in public esteem, Pelosi's link to Obama may be a net positive in November 2012. Moreover, while her personal approval numbers are low, it's unlikely that she would play the same campaign role for her political opponents as did the more colorful Speaker Gingrich. Redistricting, however, is a drag on House Democrats' chances.

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